Frank Onyeka demands winning start as Nigeria begin AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar

Coventry City midfielder Frank Onyeka has called on Nigeria to adopt a winning mentality from the outset as the Super Eagles begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar.

Nigeria will open their Group D campaign at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, with Guinea-Bissau awaiting them in Bissau four days later.

Onyeka is among the players preparing for the qualifiers under head coach Éric Chelle, as Nigeria look to put the disappointment of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup behind them and turn their attention to securing a place at next year’s AFCON.

The midfielder acknowledged the frustration surrounding the World Cup setback but believes the squad must now concentrate fully on the task ahead.

For Onyeka, that means approaching every fixture with the same objective regardless of the opposition or venue.

“Just like every other match that we’ll be playing, we have to win every game. I know we’re quite disappointed not to qualify for the World Cup, but now we’re back. We have something to prepare for, which is the Afcon next year,” he told Ademola Victor TV.

Onyeka wants Nigeria to make home advantage count

With Madagascar providing the first test in Uyo, Onyeka has stressed the need for Nigeria to maximise their home advantage and begin the qualification campaign with three points.

The Coventry midfielder does not expect the Super Eagles to take their opponents lightly but says the squad’s preparations are centred on delivering a complete performance rather than worrying about Madagascar.

Nigeria will be expected to use the home fixture to establish an early foundation before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second qualifying match.

“So, I guess we’ll take every game as it comes, but for us, we want to win this game, especially when we’re playing on our own ground. We don’t underestimate anything.

“We focus only on ourselves. We don’t focus on the opponent. So, we have to play well to win. That’s what we are focusing on: to play well and win.”

Chelle hands Onyeka midfield role

Onyeka forms part of Chelle’s 24-man squad for the opening two qualifiers and is competing for a place in a midfield group that also includes experienced players such as Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi, as well as Raphael Onyedika.

The squad’s immediate priority is to make a positive start against Madagascar before turning its attention to the trip to Bissau.

Nigeria’s failure to reach the 2026 World Cup has increased the significance of their AFCON qualification campaign, with the Super Eagles now seeking to ensure another major international tournament does not pass without their participation.

For Onyeka, however, the focus is on the matches immediately ahead rather than dwelling on the World Cup disappointment.

With the opening qualifier taking place on home soil, he believes Nigeria’s approach must be straightforward: perform at a high level and secure victory.

The Super Eagles will therefore begin their AFCON 2027 journey in Uyo knowing that a strong start could provide early momentum in their qualification campaign.